Saudi Arabia reopens the gates of Mecca
Kathmandu. Saudi Arabia has reopened Islam’s holiest site in Mecca from Sunday, after months of restriction. The gates of Mecca have been opened for Umrah. However, prayers and other religious obeisances at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) will be carried in line with proper health measures.
Saudi Arabia announced a “three-phase normalization plan” early Thursday for Mecca with the aim of returning to normal life gradually. The Umrah or ‘the smaller pilgrimage’ had been suspended in early March as COVID-19 turned into a global pandemic.
In the first phase, only 6,000 Saudi citizens and residents would be allowed to enter the Grand Mosque in Mecca in a day. Worshippers have to apply via an online application launched by the authorities. to reserve a time and date.
The second phase will begin from October 18, allowing a maximum of 15,000 pilgrims and 40,000 for prayer from among Saudi citizens and residents.
Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia will get the privilege after November 1.
Despite taking early stringent measures, Saudi Arabia has recorded nearly 336,000 cases, including 4,850 deaths.
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